Mikulski, a Democrat, is recognized for securing nearly $1 million in federal funds to create the park. The legislation she supported also establishes the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, N.Y.

In accepting the award, Mikulski said the Underground Railroad of today is a road to economic achievement for America's young people.

"I have the pen from the very first African-American president signing the very first piece of legislation, and it was about economic empowerment," Mikulski said.

The award was presented by Democrats Gov. Martin O'Malley, U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin and African-American Tourism Council President Louis Fields, who will be joined by Ross-Tubman family descendants.

Friday is also the Harriet Ross Tubman Day of Remembrance in Maryland.

Mikulski is the longest-serving female member of the U.S. Senate, and she was also honored by the Women of the World and the National Women's Hall of Fame.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Sunday it was "very alarmed" by reports of widespread doping by track and field athletes in major competitions including the Olympic Games and world championships.

The Obama administration will unveil a major climate change plan Monday aimed at a large reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's coal-burning power plants, a senior administration official told CNN.

As top GOP presidential candidates arrived at a hotel here to court the influential donors of the Koch network, Charles Koch called on retreat attendees to unite with him in a campaign against "corporate welfare" and "irresponsible spending" by both ...